Go Touch Grass! Science Says It’s Good for You.
A new study from the University of Helsinki found that nature-based group activities can reduce loneliness, improve sleep, sharpen memory, and strengthen an overall sense of well-being in older adults. And it didn’t take long to see results. “Group activities once a week over just a nine-week period can already reduce loneliness in research subjects and improve their sleep and memory, as well as their sense of connection to nature,” said professor and lead researcher Kaisu Pitkälä.
Why this matters
Loneliness is alarmingly common among older adults, and its health effects are serious. Professor Pitkälä noted that loneliness is “a risk factor comparable with tobacco [use] and obesity for health and memory.” It’s also invisible. You can’t tell from the outside whether someone is lonely. That makes proactive connections, including connection with the natural world, all the more important.
Simple ways to get more nature into your life
You don’t need to hike a mountain or tend a sprawling garden to get the benefits of time spent in nature. Here are some easy ways to bring a little more green into your daily routine:
Take a weekly outdoor outing. It doesn’t have to be far. Find a local park, botanical garden, nature trail, or even a tree-lined neighborhood street. The key word from the research is consistency. Once a week made a measurable difference.
Make it social. The Helsinki study focused on group activities, and the peer connection was part of what made it work. Invite a friend, join a walking club, or ask a family member to come along. Many senior centers and community organizations offer guided nature walks or outdoor group activities.
Bring nature indoors. Houseplants, a bird feeder outside a window, a small herb garden on the kitchen sill, or even nature documentaries can offer some of the same restorative effects when getting outside isn’t possible. This can be a good solution for older adults who may not be able to leave their homes.
Spend time near water. Lakes, rivers, fountains, and even backyard water features have a particularly calming effect on mood and stress levels. If you live near water, make it a regular habit to visit.
Sit outside with intention. Simply sitting on a porch, patio, or park bench and paying attention to the birds, breeze, and sky counts as nature time.
Garden, even in small ways. Container gardening, raised beds, and community garden plots are all accessible options. To grow something and watch it thrive is satisfying at any age.
The young people telling us to touch grass might be onto something. Nature has always been good for the human spirit. Step outside. Breathe the air. You’ll be glad you did.